Art State Arizona Festival Jury Process
Guide to Our Jury for Festival Selection
ART STATE ARIZONA FESTIVAL & EVENT ARTIST JURY PROCESS & QUALIFICATIONS
Art State Arizona 2026–2027 Festival Season
We’re excited to announce that the Art State Arizona 2026–2027 Festival Season Application is now live.
Each year, Art State Arizona produces a diverse calendar of festivals and community events that celebrate creativity, culture, and connection throughout Arizona. From fine art festivals and cultural celebrations to culinary experiences and community gatherings, our events help make the arts essential to everyday life.
This season, we’ve streamlined the application process to make participation easier and more artist-friendly. Returning participants from previous seasons will find much of their information already saved within the system, allowing for faster review and updating.
Questions? Contact Amanda@artstateaz.org
IMPORTANT JURY & PAYMENT DATES
Applications are reviewed through a blind jury process led by independent arts and event professionals. Jury scores help inform festival selections while supporting a thoughtful and balanced curatorial process across the season.
June 1, 2026
Applications Open for the 2026–2027 Festival Season
June 30, 2026 — Jury #1 Deadline
Artists will be notified of acceptance no later than July 14, 2026.
Booth payments for all 2026 festivals are due by August 14, 2026.
July 31, 2026 — Jury #2 Deadline
Artists will be notified of acceptance no later than August 14, 2026.
Booth payments for all 2026 festivals are due by September 14, 2026.
August 31, 2026 — Jury #3 Deadline
Artists will be notified of acceptance no later than September 12, 2026.
Booth payments for all 2026 festivals are due by September 30, 2026.
Applications received after the Jury #3 deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis as space remains available.
APPLICATION FEES & PAYMENT INFORMATION
For Artists and Business Exhibitors, a one-time $40 application fee covers submission consideration for all festivals listed within the season application.
Festival booth fees are paid only after acceptance into an event.
If accepted:
- Booth payments for all 2026 festivals are due within one month of jury notification.
- Booth payments for all 2027 festivals are due by November 1, 2026.
New this season, Art State Arizona is introducing optional installment payment plans through Affirm, allowing participants to break booth fees into smaller payments over time. This added flexibility is intended to help support artists and creative small businesses navigating increasing costs related to materials, travel, and operations.
Booth placement requests are considered in the order that payment and registration forms are completed.
WHAT THE JURY REVIEWS
Applications are evaluated through a blind review process focused on:
- Artistic excellence and craftsmanship
- Creativity and originality
- Quality and professionalism of submitted images
- Representation of diverse artistic styles, techniques, and price points
- Overall contribution to the balance and experience of the festival
Jurors are encouraged to evaluate work beyond personal taste and to help shape a dynamic, inclusive, and well-balanced festival environment.
The jury panel is typically composed of 3–5 independent arts and event professionals, depending on the scale of the festival.
Applications are scored on a 1–5 scale.
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
Applicants are required to submit:
- Three images of individual artwork or products
- One image of the artist creating work or within their studio environment
- One image of the outdoor booth or display setup
If this is your first outdoor festival and you do not yet have a booth image, please note this within your application and provide an additional marketing image instead.
Strong, professional photography is one of the most important elements of the jury process. Jurors evaluate applications based solely on the materials submitted.
ELIGIBILITY & ARTIST GUIDELINES
All artwork presented within artist booths must be original, handcrafted, and created by the exhibiting artist.
Mass-produced, imported, buy/sell, resale, or third-party manufactured goods are not permitted within artist categories.
Artists must be present during festival operations and may not sublet or share booth space except in approved collaborative artist arrangements.
Separate application categories exist for:
- Artists & Makers
- Exhibitors & Nonprofit Organizations
- Food Vendors & Culinary Participants
Some events may limit or cap the number of exhibitors or vendors within certain categories to maintain event balance and quality.
BOOTH SETUP & FESTIVAL EXPECTATIONS
All festivals are held outdoors and operate rain or shine.
If using a canopy:
- Tents must be white
- A minimum of 40 pounds of weight per tent leg is required
- Tents must be flame-retardant and professionally maintained
Displays should be clean, professional, and visually cohesive. Handwritten signage and excessive sale signage are discouraged.
Artists are responsible for their own setup materials, insurance, and protection of artwork and equipment.
WAITLIST & ROLLING ACCEPTANCE
Many festivals reach exhibitor capacity early in the season. Once a festival is full, applications may continue to be accepted for the waitlist.
Artists may be contacted if space becomes available, including in the weeks or days leading up to an event.
We strongly encourage interested artists to continue applying even after early juries have closed.
CANCELLATION POLICY
30+ days before event:
Refund less a $50 administrative fee
15–29 days before event:
50% booth fee refund
14 days or fewer before event:
No refund
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing.
ACCESSIBILITY & ARTIST SUPPORT
Art State Arizona strives to create welcoming and accessible festival environments for artists and audiences alike.
Following acceptance, artists will receive additional event-specific information regarding:
- Booth preferences
- Accessibility accommodations
- Parking and load-in procedures
- Festival maps and logistics
- Lodging recommendations (when applicable)
Volunteers and staff are available during many events to provide short booth relief breaks, water distribution, and artist support services.
APPEALS PROCESS
Jury decisions may be appealed within seven days of notification.
All appeals must be submitted in writing for review by festival administration.
Decisions of the review panel are final.
We’re grateful for the artists, makers, musicians, culinary participants, nonprofits, and creative businesses who continue shaping these festivals into vibrant celebrations of Arizona’s cultural identity.
Thank you for being part of the Art State Arizona community.
